Drive unit

A drive unit, comprising:

• an electric motor;
• a first torque transmission path configured to transmit a torque outputted from the electric motor to an output unit, the first torque transmission path having a torque converter disposed therein that is configured to amplify the torque outputted from the electric motor when the torque is directed in a first rotational direction;
• a second torque transmission path provided parallel to the first torque transmission path and having no torque converter disposed therein, the second torque transmission path configured to transmit the torque outputted from the electric motor to the output unit;
• a first gear train disposed in the first torque transmission path, the first gear train disposed downstream with respect to the torque converter;
• a second gear train disposed in the second torque transmission path;
• a first switch mechanism configured to switch between one of the first torque transmission path and the second torque transmission path as a path for transmitting the torque outputted from the electric motor;
• and
• a controller configured to control the electric motor and to command the operational setting of the first switch mechanism,
• wherein the controller is further configured to execute a first reverse moving mode, the controller further configured to control and cause the electric motor to be rotated in a second rotational direction when executing the first reverse moving mode, the controller further configured to control the first switch mechanism such that transmission of the torque outputted from the electric motor is made through the second torque transmission path when executing the first reverse moving mode.

A drive unit, comprising:

• an electric motor;
• a first torque transmission path configured to transmit a torque outputted from the electric motor to an output unit, the first torque transmission path having a torque converter disposed therein that is configured to amplify the torque outputted from the electric motor when the torque is directed in a first rotational direction;
• a second torque transmission path provided parallel to the first torque transmission path and having no torque converter disposed therein, the second torque transmission path configured to transmit the torque outputted from the electric motor to the output unit;
• a first gear train disposed in the first torque transmission path, the first gear train disposed downstream with respect to the torque converter;
• a second gear train disposed in the second torque transmission path;
• a third gear train disposed in the first torque transmission path, the third gear train configured to receive the torque transmitted thereto from the torque converter;
• a first switch mechanism configured to switch between one of the first torque transmission path and the second torque transmission path as a path for transmitting the torque outputted from the electric motor;
• a second switch mechanism configured to switch between the first gear train and the third gear train as the path for transmitting the torque after the torque is outputted from the torque converter;
• and
• a controller configured to control the electric motor and to command the operational setting of the first switch mechanism,
• wherein the controller is further configured to control the second switch mechanism.

A drive unit, comprising:

• an electric motor;
• a first torque transmission path configured to transmit a torque outputted from the electric motor to an output unit, the first torque transmission path having a torque converter disposed therein that is configured to amplify the torque outputted from the electric motor when the torque is directed in a first rotational direction;
• a second torque transmission path provided parallel to the first torque transmission path and having no torque converter disposed therein, the second torque transmission path configured to transmit the torque outputted from the electric motor to the output unit;
• a first gear train disposed in the first torque transmission path, the first gear train disposed downstream with respect to the torque converter;
• a second gear train disposed in the second torque transmission path;
• a first switch mechanism configured to switch between one of the first torque transmission path and the second torque transmission path as a path for transmitting the torque outputted from the electric motor;
• and
• a clutch,
• wherein the torque converter includes an input part and an output part, the input part configured to receive the torque inputted thereto after the torque is outputted from the electric motor, the output part configured to receive the torque transmitted thereto from the input part through a fluid,
• the clutch is configured and disposed to allow and block transmission of the torque between the input part and the output part, and
• the clutch is a one-way clutch configured to allow transmission of the torque outputted from the electric motor when the torque is directed in a second rotational direction and block transmission of the torque outputted from the electric motor when the torque is directed in the first rotational direction.

A drive unit, comprising:

• an electric motor;
• a first torque transmission path configured to transmit a torque outputted from the electric motor to an output unit, the first torque transmission path having a torque converter disposed therein that is configured to amplify the torque outputted from the electric motor when the torque is directed in a first rotational direction;
• a second torque transmission path provided parallel to the first torque transmission path and having no torque converter disposed therein, the second torque transmission path configured to transmit the torque outputted from the electric motor to the output unit;
• a first gear train disposed in the first torque transmission path, the first gear train disposed downstream with respect to the torque converter;
• a second gear train disposed in the second torque transmission path;
• and
• a first switch mechanism configured to switch between one of the first torque transmission path and the second torque transmission path as a path for transmitting the torque outputted from the electric motor;
• wherein the torque converter includes a centrifugal lock-up clutch.